Law

Justice Dept. to bypass counsel? Published proposed rules

Article Abstract:

Proposed rules issued by the Department of Justice on Nov 20, 1992 limiting federal prosecutors' contacts with targets of government investigations who have retained private attorneys to the investigative portion of a case are feared to contain loopholes. There are still some instances when contacts can occur after charges are filed. The criminal defense bar is displeased that government attorneys have access to a considerable breadth of confidential information, and the National Ass'n of Criminal Defense Lawyers has for withdrawal of the proposed rules by the Justice Department.

Justice Dept. launches salvo in bias battle

Article Abstract:

The US Justice Department has filed an 'amicus curiae' brief in the cases of Landgraf v USI Film Products and Rivers v Roadway Express Inc maintaining that the Civil Rights Act of 1991 should apply to cases pending when the act became law. The act overturns a number of Supreme Court rulings which had made it harder for plaintiffs to win employment discrimination suits. Federal courts which have ruled on the issue held that the act should not be retroactive.

U.S. judge's opinion: Justice Dept. rules trump state ethics

Article Abstract:

US District Judge Norma Holloway has ruled in favor of Justice Dept attorneys who claimed that their internal conduct rules took precedence over state disciplinary codes. A Bush Justice Dept regulation to this effect was pending when Bush left office; however, Clinton has stopped all pending regulations to give his staff a chance to review them.